Please recommend a compatible PC to buy

[volcs0]

I'm looking for advice for an already-built PC that will be an easy MacOS install - for around $500.

Am currently running a Mac mini (late 2012 2.3GHz i7).

I use the machine to:
1. Keep track of our 100,000+ 1Tb photo collection
2. Play music from a large (500Gb) music folder
3. Watch movies/TV on Plex
4. Occasionally convert videos

The movies, music, and photos are stored on different drives / server.

The mini is getting pretty bogged down and I want something newer and faster. I've build several Hackintoshes in the past - and I had a lot of fun doing it. But right now, I just want something I can replace the mini with for around $500 that will give me the best bang for the buck.

I see lots of threads of people asking, "will this work?"

In this case, I just want to ask what is the best already-built computer I can get for around $500 that will be an easy MacOS install.

Again, priorities are photo viewing, movie watching, music listening. Movie tanscoding is also important.
I am not interested in playing games.
I don't have a 4K monitor right now, but if there is a way to future-protect for that, it would be great. But not a priority.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[trs96]

The HP 8300 models are by far the most compatible and best bang for your buck. Easy to add a lot of internal storage too.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAJ275B5969

There is also a complete intall guide here:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...orking-and-easily-affordable-customac.224812/

You may want to get the i7-3770 version for your intended uses. Harder to find the MT versions with a 3770 these days. You can always upgrade the CPU yourself it's very easy to do.

There are still a lot of the SFF/3770 models for sale. Not as small as a Mac Mini but a lot smaller than the MiniTower.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=-1&IsNodeId=1&Description=HP Elite 8300 SFF Core i7-3770&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=36

 

[volcs0]

Thanks for this reply. I am looking at the HP 8300's.

So, this would be reasonable?
www.amazon.com/HP-Elite-8300-Professional-Refurbished/dp/B076D71Q4L

I would then get a low-profile video card, so I could use my HDMI monitor.

This would be a low-stress MacOS install?

Thanks again for the help.

The HP 8300 models are by far the most compatible and best bang for your buck. Easy to add a lot of internal storage too.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAJ275B5969

There is also a complete intall guide here:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...orking-and-easily-affordable-customac.224812/

You may want to get the i7-3770 version for your intended uses. Harder to find the MT versions with a 3770 these days. You can always upgrade the CPU yourself it's very easy to do.

There are still a lot of the SFF/3770 models for sale. Not as small as a Mac Mini but a lot smaller than the MiniTower.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=-1&IsNodeId=1&Description=HP Elite 8300 SFF Core i7-3770&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=36

 

[trs96]

This would be a low-stress MacOS install?

It's about as low stress as you can get. Almost as easy as installing macOS on a real Mac. Use the HD4000 graphics for the install. Just need an inexpensive DP to HDMI adapter. I've bought one on Ebay for under 2 dollars before. If you are just using a GT 710 that is OOB compatible too. All info you need is in the guide. Nice that they throw in a 256GB SSD. You can add two more 3.5" HDDs too.